>>>SNIP
>>>>I'm really amazed at the apathy here, or is it just the media coverage which will always hide the important stuff. When we were protesting against Milosevic five years ago, we hoped the next time we go to the streets will be when the new government raises the price of gas for 0.02, as is customary in the developed world. Seems not to be the case - or it "didn't happen, because it wasn't on the TV"?
>>>
>>>
>>>Dragan,
>>>Funny that this should come up here when we had a short discussion at work about the same thing.
>>>We were comparing the propensity to "demonstrate" in the 60s & 70s compared to today.
>>>
>>>While there is the element of demonstrations being hijacked by 'professional' destructors who travel from one to another smashing windows and overturning cars, etc, we felt there was more to it (not done any more) that just that.
>>>
>>>We couldn't agree in our short discussion, but some things that came up included:
>>>- work, more than ever by all over 16 in any household, takes away valuable time;
>>>- similar to above, we are hostages to the banks, what with credit cards, mortgages, car loans and the "need" to keep up with the Joneses;
>>>- brainwashing by the media, not only by commercials but also by programming/content;
>>>- complacency, in that we all walk around thinking/hoping/expecting that someone else will address the problem;
>>>
>>>We got back to work
>>
>>Jim;
>>
>>A conversation with a friend some 30 years ago seems timely. He suggested civilization is based upon two things. First the missionaries go off to convert the heathens and then issue Macys credit cards to all. You are now part of the system and cannot escape. To relieve your frustration you use your credit card to go into debt, which also keeps the economy going. An economy based upon false gods, frustration and monthly bills.
>>
>>This analogy began with the puritans arriving in America, grew and is now present throughout much of the world.
>>
>Tom,
>
>About a year ago, while driving and listening to the radio, there was a call-in show about the state of the province's education system. There were all kinds of legitimate (in my opinion) complaints.
>But one guy called in and summed it up nicely, I thought. He simply noted that 'The education system is doing exactly what its been evolved to do and what society needs it to do - teach kids to become compliant consumers and nothing more. At this they are highly successful.'.
>
>Sad, but it seems to fit, at least around here.
>
>The Steinway family story was interesting too.
>Jim


Jim;

I cannot speak for all educators or education systems but I do have limited and personal experience, besides an opinion based upon the media, etc. Our son and daughter were in school and we were called in because of a serious problem. According to the principal, and school psychologist, our children had a problem. It had been noted that they did not attend any of the school dances. We explained that we were a very close family and our children were not interested in the school dances. We were told we had a serious problem. Our children should “socialize” and after all the main purpose of the education system in this country was to “socialize students”! I told them I thought it was to educate them to be able to think, reason, solve problems, contribute to society and live a decent life. Again I was told how wrong my thinking was and how much damage I was doing to my children with such thoughts.

It seemed that the school insisted that the most important element of education was socialization. As for our son and daughter (they are 23 and 21) they are doing great! They are in college and very dedicated to themselves and the needs of others. I would dare say that our children have done more to help society than all the educators I have met in the last 15 years. Things like helping other children to learn how to read (I thought that was the teachers job) which they earned awards for, is only the beginning.

The academic world and the real world have yet to serve each other in a positive way. I congratulate anyone who succeeds in graduating from High School as this is a great accomplishment. Just think in spite of the imposed barriers placed before a student they graduate anyway! If you have had the opportunity to attend Catholic School as our children did, you have had additional barriers to overcome. Like Sister Mary Full of Bull and Father I Do Not Care. Say three our fathers, five Hail Mary’s and make a good Act of Contrition!

The public school system in this country and in California specifically is in need of help. I will not bother with all the statistics but in California, 17% of public school high school graduates will graduate from college and 95% of Catholic high school graduates will graduate from college. Many kids in public high school will not graduate. From this potential pool of human resource will come our states and nations workers and leaders.

Tom